Today’s reading is about a vision of heavenly courtroom shown to Prophet Zechariah, in which he saw Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord and being accused by Satan. This Joshua is the high priest who returned to Jerusalem among the first group of exiles from Babylon (Ezra 2). As we can see in Ezra 3:2 & Ezra 5:2, Joshua (Jeshua) was involved in building the house of God.

Joshua was a young man zealous for the Lord who was labouring in rebuilding the Lord’s house.  From the Book of Ezra, we can see how committed and faithful Joshua was when the first batch of captives started rebuilding the Temple among stiff opposition. He was not only zealous, but meticulous and orderly in doing his duty – first they established the sacrifices -a reminder of forgiveness of sins and covenant and then they moved on to the laborious job of building the Temple. Thus, Joshua was sold out for the Lord and was determined to see the Temple constructed at any cost.

However, in today’s reading we see the Lord allowing Zechariah to see what is happening in the spirit world! Satan was standing there to accuse Joshua. When we labour in the Lord’s vineyard with zeal and clear focus without bothering about anything else, there will always be another side. The devil will always try to accuse us!!

Starting from verse 1 we can see how God dealt with this situation. None of the accusations of Satan (the accuser) could stand before God!! He vindicated Joshua: “Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” (vs.2) Accusations can come from unexpected quarters and even through familiar people – but understand that the source is the same.  It is not the hardships at the field or the persecutions against the work that would discourage a servant of God – but Satan knows the most effective and time-tested weapon in pulling down a firebrand servant of God—accusations!!!

Dear men and women of God, who labour in the Lord’s vineyard, do not be disheartened by the accusations that may come against you! In the spirit realm something else happens. There is an advocate who argues your case – Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1-2). Just as the filthy garments of Joshua was ordered to be removed from him and fine new clothes to be put on him, our sins were washed as we were cleansed through the blood of Jesus Christ and we are clothed in His righteousness! That’s God’s doing—only His grace!

But, take a look at what God requires of Joshua, in our key verse – to be faithful. “If you will walk in My ways and if you will perform My service….” God still needs one action from us who are made righteous before Him, in order to thwart all the accusations of the evil one – faithfulness in carrying out the duties entrusted to us! In Luke 12:42, Jesus says: “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his house hold to give them their portion of food in due season?” What is expected of a servant is faithfulness “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”  (1 Cor.4:2).

Are you discouraged by the accusations against you? Are you disheartened that even after your labour for the Lord through many suffering and persecutions, people who are so close to you still misunderstand and accuse you? Take courage! Continue to be faithful in the tasks that are entrusted to you, God will deal with the accusations!

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: "David was the last one we would have chosen to fight the giant, but he was chosen of God."~ Dwight L. Moody